FAQ

Why did you start a food blog?

You can read more about why here, but basically it was because I wanted to think about food in a more positive light. I have an eating disorder and a tendency to starve myself. By actively making things, photographing and sharing them, I surround myself with food. It’s a bit of a double edged sword as I prefer baking so make a lot of sweet, calorie filled things and I still feel a bit guilty if I indulge. However, overall I think even being around cakes has helped me as I now realise it’s OK to have one cookie or slice of cake as long as I eat well the rest of the time and get my workouts in.

How do you cope with being around all the baked goodies?!

I briefly mentioned this above, but I’ll go into more detail here. Sometimes I can’t cope. Sometimes I have no willpower and I go into the kitchen and eat three cookies. Then I feel absolutely horrendous and berate myself for the next week. Most of the time I have enough willpower to leave things in their containers and only have one. Most of the things I make, I give away. I have friends and family who are more than happy to take them off my hands and I love making things for them.

Why did you name your blog “Annie’s Noms”?

“Nom” has been an inside joke between my fiancé and I since we met, instead of yum, we normally say nom. No, I don’t know why, it’s a bit weird haha! When I was trying to think of a name, I wanted something catchy. I’m useless with coming up with names and could only think of long winded ones which no-one would remember! My fiancé came up with Annie’s Noms and at first I was like “Will people get it?”. It seems they do, thankfully it seems we’re not the only people who use the word “nom” 🙂

What are you doing now you’ve finished Uni?

After a long and stressful final year, I finally finished Uni in May 2014! I’m now a full time food photographer, recipe developer and food writer. This blog is kind of a job, but kind of a hobby right now.

Where did you learn to bake?

I’m self-taught with help from Mum, I haven’t been to culinary school or anything and I learn “on the job”! Everything I make is through trial and error and with each recipe I learn something new.

Do you write your own recipes?

Yes. For the last couple of years 99% of the recipes shared on this blog have been written by me (bar Secret Recipe Club ones). In the past I adapted a lot, but as I’ve gained more experience I’ve got enough confidence to master my own recipes! I get inspiration from everything; other food blogs, magazines, food I see in the supermarket… Having a notebook with me at all times is a must as you never know when recipe inspiration will strike!

Can I use your recipes on my blog?

Of course! I started this blog because I wanted to share my culinary adventures with you. All I ask is that you please re-write the recipe in your own words and provide a link back to my recipe, don’t just copy and paste it from my site.

Can I use your images?

Unless for a link party feature, link round-up or other type of feature with a clear link back, then no, if you’re using my recipe, you can’t just lift my images and copy them. So much time and effort goes into photographing and editing my photos, it’s fun to take your own photos and I see it as part of the process, so whip out your camera and photograph your results! I don’t see sharing as copying and pasting my images and recipe onto your site. If you want to use any images for anything other than a link party feature then please email me and ask permission 🙂

AGHHHH you’re talking about “caster sugar” and “bicarbonate of soda”, what the heck are they?!

I’m well aware that the UK and the US differ in what they call things! When I first started baking, I was that person going “Aghhhh” as well, mostly you learn along the way, Google is also a great help, but I’ve created a page where I’ve listed the most common substitutions and equivalents to help you here.

What camera and lens do you use?

When I first started this blog (embarrassingly) I used to use my iPhone. I had no idea what Lightroom was and I literally shot one picture and uploaded it. Immersing myself deeper and deeper into the Food Blogger community I realised I needed to up my game. I used to use a Canon EOS 400D Digital SLR and it did me well for a long time. Now I use a Canon EOS 550D with a Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 II Lens. I edit all of my photos on Lightroom 5 and finish them off (sizing and a few other bits) on Photoshop.

*UPDATE MAY 2014* – I now also use the Polaroid 52mm Macro Close Up 4 Piece Filter Kit. I love the lens I use, but sometimes I find I just want to get a little closer to the object I’m photographing. One day I’d love a macro lens, but my budget doesn’t quite stretch to that yet, so these screw on filters are a great compromise.

Nope, I am a great believer in “practice makes perfect.” I was honestly a complete camera phobe when I first started using my old 400 and I let the camera do all the work. Through practice and reading guides for dummies on the Internet, I now shoot all of my images in RAW and in full manual mode. However, I learn more with every recipe I shoot! I would highly recommend Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling by Helene Dujardin– I learnt so much and frequently refer back to it.